How to replace a rubber seal behind a toilet?

Replacing the rubber sealing ring behind the toilet (usually referring to the flange sealing ring at the connection between the toilet seat and the drain pipe) is a common repair step for solving toilet leakage or odor problems. The following are detailed steps and precautions:

1、 Preparation work

Tools and Materials

New rubber sealing ring (flange sealing ring)

Adjustable wrench or pipe clamp

Screwdriver (cross/straight)

Silicone sealant (optional, used for auxiliary sealing)

Old towels, plastic sheeting (to prevent splashing of sewage)

Rubber gloves, safety goggles

Close the water source

Find the toilet inlet valve (usually located at the back or corner of the toilet), close the valve clockwise, and cut off the water supply.

Flush and empty the water tank and toilet, and use a sponge or towel to absorb any remaining moisture.

2、 Remove the old sealing ring

Disconnect the water inlet hose

Loosen the hose connecting the inlet valve to the water tank with a wrench, carefully unscrew it and place it aside.

Remove toilet

Loosen the fixing bolts: Toilets are usually fixed to the ground with two bolts, and use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the bolt cap and nut.

Lift the toilet: Gently shake the toilet left and right to separate it from the ground. If the bonding is too tight, use a scraper to carefully pry the edges (be careful not to damage the tiles).

Complete removal: Lift the toilet with the assistant and place it on the side of a plastic cloth (to avoid sewage leakage).

Clean the old sealing ring and flange

Use a scraper or old toothbrush to remove old sealant, dirt, or residual sealing rings from the drain pipe and toilet seat.

Check if the flange (metal or plastic ring) of the drainage pipe is damaged, and replace it if there are cracks.

3、 Install a new sealing ring

Choose the appropriate sealing ring

Ensure that the size of the new sealing ring matches the diameter of the drain pipe (usually 3 inches or 4 inches).

Prioritize choosing thicker or flanged sealing rings for better sealing performance.

Install the sealing ring

Method 1 (direct insertion): Place the sealing ring around the drainage pipe, ensuring that the convex surface is facing upwards and the contact surface with the toilet seat is flat.

Method 2 (using flange sealing ring): If the sealing ring has a flange, align the flange with the drainage pipe and fix it with bolts (some models require installing the flange first and then installing the sealing ring).

Apply sealant (optional)

Apply a circle of silicone sealant around the edge of the toilet seat (not mandatory, but can enhance sealing).

4、 Reinstall the toilet

Align drainage pipes

Lift the toilet with the assistant, align the drain with the floor drain pipe, slowly lower it, and avoid tilting the sealing ring.

Ensure that the toilet is level and use a spirit level to check (or observe if the gap between the toilet and the ground is even).

Fixed toilet

Reinstall the fixing bolts, tighten them by hand first, and then cross tighten them with a wrench (to avoid one side being too tight and causing the toilet to crack).

Do not completely tighten the bolt cap, leave a gap of 1-2 millimeters (to prevent damage to the ceramic under pressure).

Connect the inlet hose

Reconnect the hose to the inlet valve and tighten it with a wrench (do not apply excessive force to prevent thread damage).

5、 Testing and Closing

Open the water source

Slowly open the inlet valve, observe the water tank filling situation, and check for any water leakage.

Flushing test

Flush 3-5 times, check if there is any water leakage at the connection between the bottom of the toilet and the ground, and if there is any odor around the drainage pipe.

clean up the scene

Wipe the toilet and floor with a damp cloth, clean tools, and discard old sealing rings.

Precautions

Safety first: Wear gloves and glasses to prevent sewage from splashing onto the skin or eyes.

Avoid moving the drainage pipe: If the position of the drainage pipe is offset, it needs to be adjusted before installing the sealing ring.

Sealing ring direction: Ensure that the convex surface of the sealing ring is facing upwards and tightly adheres to the toilet seat.

Emergency handling: If severe corrosion or damage is found in the drainage pipe, it is necessary to contact a professional plumber for repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the sealing ring still leaks after installation: check if it is aligned, if the bolts are tightened, or if the sealing ring size matches.

Toilet shaking: Adjust the tightness of the fixing bolts or add a gasket between the toilet and the ground.

By following the above steps, you can replace the sealing ring on your own. If you are not familiar with the operation, it is recommended to watch instructional videos or contact professional maintenance personnel.